Myservice engine light came today rogh in idle at light rpms seem a little high this is a 98 saturn sl2 I think engine is a 1.9

Check your idle air control. If it does not work properly, it allows extra air into the engine and brings you engine RPMs up.

You'll need to get the trouble codes to see what is the problem. Many auto parts stores will pull the codes for free - I'd start there.

Any Starting problems??? Low fuel pressure,weak spark.restricted exhaust plugged converter,check engine vacummn at idle, check spark at plugs look for at least a 1/4 inch spark to ground.LOOK FOR BAD VAC LINE TO FUEL REGULATOR.

I would check the TPS (throttle position sensor) as that would cause a jump and decrease in idle when sitting in park, or in drive with foot on brake. Im not sure exacly where it is located on your car, but they are usually on the passenger side of the fuel injection system.

o2 sensors don't usually cause tht kind of problem. srparate the catylist from the front pipe and take it for a spin,

yea it sounds like someone like most wanna be mechanics take a torques screwdriver and run the idle screw up on the throttle body instead of fixzing the real problem also you may want to concider testing and changeing the TPS

Hi Darlene,

These engines can go well beyond 500,000 miles, and I know several people that can attest to that. There is one important thing you must know. ALWAYS check your oil at every gas fill up! Your SL2 is probably burning oil and needs to be checked. If you let it get too low you will spin bearings in the engine and it will be rendered useless. Check the oil and keep it at the top of the hatchmarks. It's a good idea to get two quarts of oil and leave them in the trunk this way you can fill as you need it.

The idle is probably the Idle Air Control valve (IAC). It is probably dirty and needs to be cleaned. Removing the throttle body and cleaning with carb cleaner to get the carbon off will get your idle working again. You cannot reset idles on these car and DO NOT touch the idle stop, that is not how idle is managed nor adjusted. The idle should be 1,200 RPMs cold and 800-850 warm.

Thanks,
Joe

Possible blown head gasket. Big problem . Have that checked immediately by a engine coolant pressure leak-down test. You can lose your engine and pronto! Small amount of coolant possible passing into crankcase or/and the cylinders.

a pit\ston might not be working properly

Your 2002 Saturn car has an electrical recall .I think its the ignition modual.Owners should contact saturn @ 1-800-553-6000, Prompt 3
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